Seminarians take another step to ordination

Four seminarians for the Diocese of Meath were instituted in the Ministry of Acolyte, one of the important steps leading to priestly ordination. The Rite of Institution was celebrated by Bishop Michael Smith on Thursday 9 February at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.

The names of the Meath students are as follows: Back Row Aaron Slattery (Malahide), Barry White (Rathkenny), Front Row: Noel Weir (Tullamore), Robert McGivney (Navan). The students will continue their journey of discernment in Maynooth.

There are eight seminarians discerning their vocation to priesthood for the Diocese of Meath.

An Acolyte is appointed to aid the deacon and to minister to the priest at the altar and as a special minister to give Holy Communion to the faithful at Mass and to the sick. Acolytes may also expose the Eucharist for public adoration in the absence of a priest or deacon. During the institution ceremony, candidates are reminded that they will have a special role in the Church’s ministry, since the summit and source of the Church’s life is the Eucharist, which builds up the Christian community and makes it grow. The candidates are asked to show a sincere love for the Church and especially for the weak and the sick.